Every once in a while, our local news media highlights the issue of homelessness in our area. For the Urban Mission and our ministry partners who make up our local Housing & Homeless Coalition, these media opportunities provide a chance to continue the discussion of homelessness and the work that’s being done to address its root causes.
If you find yourself being asked about homelessness, here are a few great websites to check out:
- https://cohhio.org/
- https://community.solutions/
- https://endhomelessness.org/
We also invite you to join our local Coalition on Housing & Homelessness for Jefferson & Harrison counties. We meet quarterly and use our time together to find new ways to improve our services to the community.
What role does the Urban Mission play in addressing homelessness in our area?
- The Urban Mission is a member of the Jefferson Coalition on Housing and Homelessness and provides the emergency shelter component to the continuum of care.
- The Urban Mission operates three emergency shelters in downtown Steubenville. One shelter is primarily for men (40 beds), one shelter is primarily for women and children (17 rooms), and one shelter is for families. This shelter has 6 apartments, but only 3 have been fully renovated and available for use.
- The Urban Mission is a faith-based organization but receives some State funding through the State of Ohio/Ohio Development Services. The Urban Mission’s shelter budget is approximately $500,000 each year. The State of Ohio provides approximately $235,000 in funding each year. The remainder of the funding must come from local donations and we are always in need of additional funding to keep our shelters fully staffed and stocked..
- Urban Mission shelters are considered low barrier. This means that the requirements for entry are limited or minimal with certain parameters to protect the safety and well-being of each of our guests.